Proximity Sensor Signal Monitoring for Vehicle Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactless actuation systems for motor vehicle functions, such as tailgates, face challenges in detection accuracy and user convenience, particularly for individuals with physical limitations or specific cultural gestures, leading to potential false activations by unintended movements or objects.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a sensor arrangement with a proximity sensor, coupled with electronic logic and a microcontroller, monitors signal changes to differentiate intended actuations from unintended movements, employing a timer-based approach to ensure accurate detection and user authorization through a signaling device, allowing for reliable and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If contactless actuation systems use simple movement detection, then ease of operation is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates leading to false activations
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into multiple independent evaluation criteria: approach detection, stationary phase verification, and departure detection. Each criterion is evaluated separately through timer-based checkpoints (t1, t2, t3) to determine whether an actuation gesture is valid. This segmentation allows the system to maintain ease of operation while improving detection accuracy by requiring multiple conditions to be met rather than relying on a single simple movement detection.
2Measurement precision
If detection systems require specific movement dynamics, then detection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for users with physical limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the detection criteria based on the user's interaction pattern rather than requiring a fixed movement type. The timer-based stationary phase (t2) allows users to pause at any point during their approach, and the system adjusts its expectations accordingly. This dynamic approach maintains detection accuracy by verifying intentional gestures while accommodating various physical capabilities and cultural gestures, as users can perform movements at their own pace without requiring specific dynamic characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If proximity sensors monitor continuous signal changes, then detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic evaluation through timer-based checkpoints (t1, t2, t3). The proximity sensor signals are evaluated at discrete time intervals corresponding to these checkpoints, rather than being processed continuously. This periodic action maintains detection accuracy by sampling the signal at critical moments in the gesture sequence while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous signal processing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enhances detection accuracy and user convenience by ensuring intended actuations are recognized, reducing false triggers and enabling operation by individuals with physical limitations or cultural constraints, while maintaining robustness against environmental factors like rain.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor for detecting the approach of an operator or one of his body parts. The proximity sensor can be any type of proximity sensor, e.g. an optical, capacitive or inductive sensor.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to the monitoring of signals of a proximity sensor for signal changes in the form of a characteristic first signal reply S1, which indicates a proximity to the proximity sensor (2). The signals of the proximity sensor are then observed for a period of time ts, wherein the method is interrupted if the signal reply of the proximity sensor changes within the period of time ts by more than a predetermined value st. After the time period ts elapses, a signal apparatus is activated in order to signal the elapse of the actuating time to the operator. The signals of the proximity sensor are then monitored for a period of time te, wherein the method is only continued if the signal of the proximity sensor changes within the period of time te by more than a predetermined value se. In said case, the function is actuated on the motor vehicle.